Argonne is currently doing a lot of reserach to address the issues of pollution, greenhouse gases, and climate change. For example, Argonne is working on upcycling, which uses the same building blocks of one material to make something of greater value. One example is turning plastic bottles into automotive lubricants. While many materials are recyclable, they often end up in landfills. Urban mining is when precious metals and materials, often found in electronics, are recovered from landfills to be repurposed. CHALLENGE Some companies are known to make new products like shoes out of used plastic water bottles. Now it’s your turn! Create a new product by upcycling plastic and other nonbiodegradable materials at home. Challenge guidelines: Upcycle- This means you should be using material to make something better. For example, turning plastic bottle caps into buttons or plastic bags into a jump rope. Stay Safe- Make sure you ask an adult for help and permission before using any special tools or equipment such as a hot glue gun or ian ron. SHARE YOU PROJECT WITH US! Share a picture or video of your product. Let us know what you made and how you made it. We will share submissions on @Argonne_Education on Instagram.

Issuer:

Argonne National Laboratory
https://www.anl.gov/education

Evidence: Photo

Badge Type: showcase

Expected Duration: days

Criteria

1. In order to earn this badge, the learner must create a new product by upcycling plastic and other nonbiodegradable materials at home.
2. In order to earn this badge, the learner must stay safe.Make sure you ask an adult for help and permission before using any special tools or equipment such as a hot glue gun or ian ron.
3. In order In order to earn this badge, the learner must share a photo or video of what they created along with a description including what materials were used.